A. R. Penck

His paintings are found in the major collections of the Museum of modern art in New York, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and the Hamburger Kunsthalle.

He is a drummer in a jazz band, he writes and makes films. But he's really known by his "elementary character figures “which always reminiscent of cave paintings.

The world of his paintings is populated by animal protagonists and mythical creatures, which formally move between figuration and abstraction. Compositions of catchy transparency, characterised by prehistoric cave art and graffiti art emerge as minimalist forms and stick figures. The art historian Jurgen Schweinebraden says about A. R. Penck: "the world of his paintings is populated by mythical elements, animal symbols and mythical creatures with evocative gestures. Rationalism and irrationalism show often enough allegorically encrypted power and powerlessness of the people in the world he created in fascinating variation."

The graphic shown in exhibitions rarely occupies a central role in the artist work. In his extensive print work, formulated, checked, and varies Penck image concepts, which he previously developed in paintings.

Penck was born on the 5.10.1939 in Dresden, Germany as Ralf Winkler. His artistic activity in East Germany, which he left only in 1980 finally led him repeatedly to acquire pseudonyms: 1973 Mike Hammer; 1974-76 TM; 1976 Y.

After painting and drawing lessons 1953-56 in Dresden he applied unsuccessfully to the art academies. He worked then with evening courses at the Dresden University and odd jobs. His first realistic images are still strongly influenced by the style of Rembrandt and the early Picasso's style, because until 1961 he turned away from the realistic painting style. It was the so-called system images. Ciphers of reduced human representations that constitute the fundamental interpersonal relations.

It was followed by a time of discussion of cybernetics and information theory. As a continuation of the concept created "Standart" from 1968 to 1974. First felt sculptures created in the Terminal, followed by expressive wood sculptures. His friendship with Joerg Immendorff is reflected in an intensive cooperation from 1976. The following year, Penck began with his first etchings. Screen printing portfolios and self-designed books emerged. Moved in 1980 to Cologne initiated the series "Standard-West". 1983. A.R. Penck moved to London. In 1985 he was awarded the Art Prize of Aachen. In 1988 he was appointed professor of painting at the Dusseldorf Art Academy. Since his retirement in 2003 the artist lives and works in Dublin, Ireland.